The first batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks has arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The Air Peace flight conveying the returnees landed at about 10:25 a.m. on Thursday.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, was among officials who received the 258 evacuees. They were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, led by the Acting High Commissioner, Temitope Ajayi.

Addressing the returnees, Enikanolaiye said Nigeria would not stand idly by while its citizens were subjected to attacks and harassment anywhere in the world, adding that the evacuation was a swift and necessary response.

In a statement issued after their arrival, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ spokesperson, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, quoted the minister as commending the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria for its effective coordination of the exercise.

He urged Nigerians still residing in South Africa to remain law-abiding and vigilant and to report any threats to the Nigerian Mission. Enikanolaiye said the Federal Government remained fully engaged with the South African authorities at the highest levels to ensure the protection of Nigerian nationals and address the underlying causes of the attacks.

The minister also conveyed the goodwill and assurances of President Bola Tinubu to the returnees.

“No Nigerian should live in fear simply because of their nationality. The evacuation does not signal defeat; it underscores the proactive and citizen-centred foreign policy of the Tinubu administration,” the statement read in part.

It added that more flights carrying evacuees were expected in the coming days as the exercise continued.

According to the ministry, the returnees are undergoing documentation, profiling, and medical screening. They will also be provided with temporary accommodation before being reunited with their families.

Anti-foreigner violence has gripped South Africa for several weeks, with gangs armed with sticks, whips, and shields marching through parts of the country, demanding that undocumented migrants leave by June 30.

Foreign nationals have reported intimidation and assaults by mobs moving from house to house. Many families have been displaced, while others have fled in response to the threats.

Ghana, Mozambique, and Malawi have already repatriated hundreds of their citizens in recent weeks.

South Africa, Africa’s largest economy, hosts more than three million foreign nationals, representing just over five per cent of its population, according to the country’s statistics agency.